Rhema Magazine Issue 29

$1.99 MAY / JUNE 2017

MICHELLE ‘MONA’ THOMPSON Senior Co-Pastor of Jubilee Christian Church Celebrating 25 Years in Ministry: Pastor Mona Thompson Shares Keys to Service

Return to Honor Mother’s Day How to Have Victory over Temptations www.rhemamagazine.com

Loving Your Man RHEMA SPOTLIGHT

William Santiago

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE MAY/JUNE 2017

FEATURES 17 How to Have Victory over Temptations 29 Mother’s Day 31 Return to Honor Story Michelle “Mona” Thompson 20 Cover Senior Co-Pastor of Jubilee Christian Church Celebrating 25 Years in Ministry: Pastor Mona Thompson Shares Keys to Service

SECTIONS 04 12 14 16 24 27 30 33 34

Editor’s Note RHEMA Health RHEMA Family Matters RHEMA Young Adult Focus RHEMA Senior Center RHEMA Spotlight RHEMA Puzzle RHEMA Showcase RHEMA Word

Disclaimer Rhema is published every other month.

No part of this publication is to be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher. The Magazine can not be held liable for any error in any advertisement and any liability is limited to the total cost of the advertisement in error. The publisher however reserves the right to refuse any advertisement deemed offensive or inappropriate. The views and opinions expressed in this magazine are strictly those

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of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of Rhema Magazine. Rhema Magazine takes reasonable care to ensure the accuracy of the information. However we will not assume liability for the opinions or statements nor the accuracy of the authors. We also reserve the right to edit information we deem inappropriate for this magazine.

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s Christians, there is just something special about a Sunday. We sometimes refer to Sundays as “The Lord’s Day.” It is a day dedicated to worship. We gather at our respective churches eager to hear a word from God. We anticipate a great time of fellowship and thanksgiving and service to others. We look forward to the euphoric feeling of basking in His presence with our hands lifted up and our mouths filled with praise. We find solace in the fact that no matter how trying the past week was, all of our burdens will be lifted on Sunday. We will be refilled and revived.

There is no greater feeling than being in church on a Sunday where the atmosphere is charged with the presence of God. In that moment you feel a closer walk with Him; your spirit is lifted; your faith is renewed and you feel empowered. You are no longer tired and weary. Your Goliaths no longer scare you. Instead, you RHEMA MAGAZINE: MAY/JUNE 2017

are reminded of God’s word that says that you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you.

However, we have to be aware that all our days will not feel like a “Sunday.” We cannot live our lives waiting for Sunday and waiting for that renewal.

Therefore, it is important that we make every day the Lord’s Day. Wake up each day expecting to be blessed.

Expect a word from God and worship like it is a Sunday.

Sundays do not hold the monopoly on praise and worship.

God’s outpouring of blessings is not limited to a Sunday morning worship service. We need to make our spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God every day of our lives.

While it is great to look forward to our Sunday worship, more importantly, let us strive to live a life of Sundays.

Blessings!

Valerie Brown rhemamagazine.com 4

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RHEMA MAGAZINE: CONTRIBUTORS Rhema: "A Greek word meaning "what is said."

In Christianity it is used in reference to the sayings of Jesus Christ."

Matthew 4:4 states"Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every (Rhema) word that proceeds from the mouth of God."

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CEO/Founder - Andrew D. Gayle Chairman - Leon Morgan Editor-in-Chief - Valerie Brown Assistant Editor - Dr. Alicia Anderson Publication Consultant/Copy Editor - Michele Saunders Art Director - Tanya N. Riley of T.Riley Design Sales Manager - Ronald W. Fitts Jr. Market Development - Kelli N. Calloway Health and Lifestyle Editor - Dacie Gayle Columnist - Pastor William E. Dickerson Jr. Columnist - Nicholas T. Josey Columnist - David Carruthers

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20 Years of Service

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Sales/ Ad Reps Wanted Rhema Magazine is looking for talented and enthusiastic individuals to join our team as Sales/Ad Reps.

You will work closely with the dynamic Rhema team as we continue to increase our readership. If you are looking for a great opportunity, possess strong leadership qualities and have the ability to build and develop strong business relationships, please contact

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Travel Health

Safety Tips

ummer is around the corner, which means that many individuals will be traveling to different parts of the country and around the globe. Whether you are visiting your parents in Colorado, discovering Italy with your girlfriends or celebrating your honeymoon in Mexico, traveling is a fun and exciting part of life. Unfortunately, there are always potential health risks when traveling to new places. Be sure to read and to adhere to the following health tips no matter if this might be your first trip or your tenth.

could be true for individuals in other countries coming to the United States.

2. Check your health insurance.

Before traveling, call your health insurance company and see if you are covered overseas. If not, you might have to purchase additional health insurance depending on your need.

Regardless of whether or not you have usable health insurance, you might have to pay high out-of-pocket costs while in a foreign country. ii 3. Be mindful of your bodies’ reactions and symptoms.

1. Before your trip, schedule a doctor’s appointment.

Be on the lookout for the following symptoms while traveling: recurring headaches; diarrhea and vomiting; discolored skin; inexplicable bruises and severe coughing. iii The headaches, diarrhea and vomiting could be from gastrointestinal problems caused by underprepared food or untreated water. iv These symptoms could be avoided by using boiled or bought water, as well as ice. Also, avoid consuming fruits and vegetables washed in local water.

Instead, eat thick-skinned fruits like oranges and bananas.v

Let your physician know that you are planning to travel. Your doctor will conduct a quick check up to ensure that you are fit to travel. One instance where this checkup is necessary is for individuals with heart and or lung disease. Most individuals are not impacted by the lower oxygen levels on airplanes. i However, individuals with either heart or lung disease or both could have serious complications because of this change in their environments. They could be prescribed oxygen to take with them in special medical devices while in flight.

Doctors can also administer any necessary travel vaccinations. You might be more susceptible to diseases that are more common in other countries than in the US. The same RHEMA MAGAZINE: MAY/JUNE 2017

i

https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/plan-ahead

ii

Ibid.

iii

Ibid.

iv

https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/trav el-health-tips

v

Ibid.

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By Dr. Daniel Vassell oes a woman need to be taught how to love her man? Yes, she does! Science reveals that once a wife experiences physical intimacy with her husband through sexual intercourse her body releases oxytocin, the bonding hormone, which creates a bond between her and her husband. The more they share sexual intimacy, the more bonded with love and attached to each other they become. Oxytocin would prob-ably explain why Scripture tells us that wives will have a desire for their husbands. (See Genesis 3:16.)

If this is the case, as science explains, why should the apostle Paul in Titus 2:4 instruct older women to teach young wives how to love their husbands? Well, when God instructed older women to teach younger women how to love their husbands in Titus 2:4, He used the word phileo. Phileo means “friendship love,” or a love that cherishes, enjoys, and likes. This was the intended message!

Older women were encouraged to teach the younger wives the art and science of showing love to their husbands in ways men like to be loved. That admonition was given to minimize the trials and errors and methods many wives had to go through to maximize their marital relationships.

How can a wife nurture a heart of love to support her husband and man in practical ways and build a friendship that lasts “until death do us part?” She loves ‘her man’ by voluntarily submitting herself to his loving and caring for her. Secondly, she responds to her husband ’s love needs out of godly purpose to fulfill and satisfy them.

Building a loving and lasting relationship takes daily commitment, prayer, and most of all, a decision to love your husband—no matter what. When you can love your husband through the Holy Spirit, you will be RHEMA MAGAZINE: MAY/JUNE 2017

able to love and respect him unconditionally.

Wives show love to their husbands by doing things that will build bonds of friendship. Therefore, commit yourself today to make your husband your number one human relationship. Your relationship with your husband is meant to be the most important relationship after your relationship with God. Do things for and to him that would make him feel valued and worthy.

Now, let us delve a little deeper into the course of loving your husband. I would like to suggest that you begin with a simple question, “Am I spoiling my husband rotten?” This is what loving your husband is really all about: spoiling him rotten as he does the same for you!

Love means different things to the sexes. Showing love to your man is designed to satisfy his needs and desires, not your own. Here are some ways to show your love: 1. Respectfully communicate with him.

2. Let him know that he’s important to you.

3. Show interest in his hobbies or allow him space to participate freely. (D Ramsey) 4. Protect his dignity daily.

5. Focus on what he’s doing right, instead of on the negatives.

6. Show interest in what he feels is important in life.

7. Give him special time with you apart from the children.

8. Give frequent compliments.

9. Be creative when you express your love, both in words and in actions. (Author unknown) Dr. Daniel and Jenny Vassell are the authors of “The Love Factor in Marriage for Couples and Pre-Marriage.”

Email: lovefactorinmarriage@gmail.com rhemamagazine.com rhemamagazine.com1414

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YOUNG ADULT FOCUS

Celebrating Distinguished Scholar

By Valerie Brown

Proverbs 31:25 King James Version (KJV), “Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.” ndriana Harris was born in Boston on November 1, 1996 to her proud parents, Keisha Hall and Andrew Harris. From an early age Andriana exhibited signs of being an exceptionally bright child. She had an inquisitive mind and seemed wise beyond her years.

Andriana’s academic excellence began at the James J. Chittick Elementary School in Boston, where she attended from kindergarten to fifth grade. From that time on, Andriana has managed to remain an academic and personal role model throughout her life.

In 2008, she was accepted to The Steppingstone Academy, a rigorous program run by the Boston-based, not-for-profit, nationally recognized organization, The Steppingstone Foundation, which prepares underserved students for advanced educational opportunities.

Andriana successfully graduated from the program in 2009.

Andriana attended James P. Timilty Middle school but left after the sixth grade after successfully passing the Independent School Entrance Examination. This highly competitive and rigorous test is used for admission to middle and high schools.

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Andriana’s success on this exam landed her a coveted spot at Boston Latin Academy, where she attended from 2009-2015.

Currently, Andriana attends Regis College in Weston, MA, where she has continued to maintain a high level of academic excellence, making the Dean’s List her first year. She is the recipient of Regis College’s Tower Scholarship and the William R. Hearst Scholarship. Andriana will graduate as a member of the Class of 2019 with a major in Biology and minor in Neuroscience.

Andriana was inducted into the Alpha Lambda Delta National Honor Society on April 18, 2017. This award is given to students recognized for their academic achievements in their first year of college, having cumulative grade point averages of 3.5 or better and are in the top twenty percent of their graduating class.

Andriana is definitely on track to pursue her goal of attending medical school to become a Developmental/Behavioral pediatrician or pediatric neurologist. RHEMA salutes Andriana on her scholastic achievements and prays that God will continue to guide her steps.

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How to Have Victory over Temptations

BY WILLIAM E. DICKERSON JR. | BISHOP DESIGNATE | GREATER LOVE TABERNACLE 1 Corinthians 10:13 (King James Version) states, “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way of escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”

A temptation is a test or trial. It does not always have to be sexual in nature. However, the devil will use whatever he can to get us to go back on our faith in the Lord.

The following are a few ways that we can overcome temptations: 1. Through prayer – Jeremiah 33:1, 3 New American Standard Bible (NASB): 1 “Then the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah the second time while he was still confined in the court of the guard saying 3 “Call to Me and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know.”

When we really get engulfed in prayer, the power of God will begin to shake us at the core and He will start revealing things to us as we pray in the Spirit. Jeremiah was in prison and the Lord was yet speaking to him.

I don't care how much the devil tries to bring bondage into the lives of God's children. If we can just call on the Lord, deliverance will flow into our lives.

2. Through praise and worship – Acts 16:26 New International Version (NIV): “Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open and everyone’s chains came loose.”

and worship can set the captives free today. As believers, we overcome the satanic grips and carnal oppositions by continually opening our mouths and magnifying the Lord.

3. Through the word – Jesus was not led by the Holy Spirit into temptation but he was led by the Holy Spirit as he went through the temptations.

• Matthew 4:2-4 (NASB): 2 “And after he had fasted for forty days and forty nights, He then became hungry.” The devil will always attack you when you're fasting but you must resist him.

• 3 “And the tempter came and said to Him, ‘If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.’” The wicked one tries to destroy us through whatever we're dealing with and he tries to make it very personal. However, our personal trials and tests are actually not just for us because when we get the victory, they will help us to minister to others more effectively.

• 4 “But He answered and said, ‘It is written, ‘MAN SHALL NOT I LIVE ON BREAD ALONE, BUT ON EVERY WORD THAT PROCEEDS OUT OF THE MOUTH OF GOD.’’” Every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God will strengthen us against every attack that proceeds out of the mouth of Satan.

As we stand on the word of the Lord we will not vacillate but we will progress in victory.

Their praise and worship physically shook the prison and set the captives free. Our praise RHEMA MAGAZINE: MAY/JUNE 2017

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MICHELLE ‘MONA’ THOMPSON

Celebrating 25 Years in Ministry: Pastor Mona Thompson Shares Keys to Service

By Michele Saunders isionary leader and Pastor Michelle, “Mona” Thompson is Senior Co-Pastor who shepherds God’s people alongside her husband, Pastor Matthew K. Thompson of Jubilee Christian Church, one of the largest nondenominational churches in New England with two campuses and a combined congregation of over seven thousand members. This year, Pastor Mona celebrates having been in ministry for one-half of her life, or twenty-five years. Her milestone coincides with Jubilee’s celebration of its Women’s Ministry having been in existence for that same quarter century. Both Pastor Mona and the Women’s Ministry will celebrate this milestone at the annual Women’s Conference. “The Dash: Blaze a Trail, Leave a Mark,” to be held May 3 to May 7, 2017 at Jubilee’s Boston Campus, 1500 Blue Hill Avenue, Mattapan, MA. Additional information can be gathered from Jubilee’s website: www.jubileeboston.org.

Pastor Mona is a highly regarded and sought after author and speaker who infuses her unique insights into all that she undertakes.

Pastor Mona is founder of the internationally renowned Reaching into Self Esteem, or RISE, a ministry built specifically for young girls and young women ages six to 14 to bolster their self-esteem in Christ, within themselves and in their own images and among each other through building lasting friendships and relationships.

Pastor Mona grew up in the Boston area. She became a wife, mother and widow at an early age. Before having entered into full-time RHEMA MAGAZINE: MAY/JUNE 2017

ministry, Pastor Mona first worked in the corporate sector for a local bank as a foreign-currency buyer for six branches. She used that financial acumen to become a buyer and trunk show organizer for a jewelry outfit. Having garnered success in that venture, Pastor Mona stepped out on faith and knowledge and became a young entrepreneur, owning her own accessory shop. It was in her shop that she met her husband, “Pastor Matt,” as he is affectionately called by congregants. They formed a friendship and eventually married.

Pastor Mona and Pastor Matthew have been married for twenty years. They are the proud parents of two and grandparents of three.

Pastor Mona earned her Associates of Arts in Elementary Education and Teaching from Quincy College, Quincy, MA and her Bachelors of Science degree in Early Childhood Education and Teaching from Bridgewater State University, Bridgewater, MA. Pastor Mona published her first book in 2015. The illustrated I Will Rise highlights portions of a daily pledge that Pastor Mona wrote for RISE participants who recite this pledge each time they attend the program.

It is an illustrated compilation of daily affirmations meant to inspire and instill a sense of empowerment in young women. rhemamagazine.com 20

I Will Rise can be purchased from Sanctuary Book Store at Jubilee Christian Church or online at Amazon.com and other outlets.

RHEMA Magazine recently had the privilege to glean from Pastor Mona Godly wisdom she gained throughout the years while serving God’s people. Here is what we culled from Pastor Mona’s words as she shared from her twenty-five years of ministry experience: PASTOR MONA: “ … I had started a business, an accessory business and I was in my store trying to figure out how my life had gotten to a place that it did. I became a widow. My first husband died of a drug overdose. I was left with my daughter who was confused and I just kept looking at her thinking, ‘How could I help her to navigate through life differently?’ And it was in that moment that I thought of ‘I could create a program for girls and encourage them to reach into their self-esteem.’

Because I felt like, ‘Here I was.’ I grew up - felt like I was always just attacked because I was created to be who I was meant to be. … So as I was staring at my daughter and my little sister who was seventeen years younger than me, they were in my store, and I kept looking at them and saying, ‘How can I do something that would encourage them and help them to be different?’ And so that was the impetus of RISE. … When I think about who I was twenty-five years ago and who I am today, I really thank God for the different women that held it down for me – my mom, my grandmother, my aunt, my spiritual mother – just so many women.

Even in their challenges, they encouraged me to really live my dash (the punctuation mark between date of birth and death). I saw them as overcomers, as pioneers, as forerunners. I want to be that for the next generation.

Pastor Gloria Hammond was my mentor for several years and there were other women that I watched and admired. But still within all of that I was like, ‘That’s great, but I can only be me.’ … I would say, ‘Be yourself and make sure you have the Word of God inside of you because it really is the bread of life.’ Have an older woman that pours into you but totally understands that you can only be yourself.

For women in general, I have become a person of the ‘No.’ … I have to learn to be still. I have to learn to take care of myself. … I find that the more you do, then you’re tired, you’re worn out and you’re not your best self. So you talk angry, you do angry. … As women we’ve bought into that we have to be everything for everyone and really Christ is the only person that can be everything to everyone.”

The words of wisdom … for co-pastors and first ladies … I can only be me and I can only be the best me that I can be. I had great mentors – my mother-in-law Pastor Yvonne Thompson, RHEMA MAGAZINE: MAY/JUNE 2017

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By Harriet Holder he Bible admonishes us that men should always pray and not faint. As we listen to the news or receive phone calls from loves ones and friends about family crises, we know that we need to pray. As we go through our everyday routines, I ask that you spend a little time in prayer, keeping your family covered in prayer from sickness and disease, financial issues or family crises. If you do not know what or how to pray, follow the examples that the Bible gives us to pray, and you will see your prayer time increase in power and in knowledge.

• Pray for all: 1 Timothy 2:1-2 New International Version (NIV): "I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people - 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” We are asked to pray for others, including our President; our authorities at work and for our church leaders; our co-workers; friends and family.

• Pray for the sick: James 5:14-16 (NIV): “Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord.

15 And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven.

16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.

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The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”

• Pray for enemies: Matthew 5:44 King James Version (KJV): “But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; • Pray for you: 1 Chronicles 4:10 (KJV) says: “And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that Thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested.”

Jabez prayed for himself when he caught the revelation that he had been in pain since birth. God blessed Jabez above his brethren after he prayed. Once you come to a realization about a thing or situation in your life, go to God in prayer about it before doing anything else on it and watch God move.

You might not like what is going on in the country or with your in-laws, neighbors or co-workers but God admonishes us to pray one for another. We need strength and power to face any and all circumstances. Finally, be strong in the Lord and the power of his might.

Put on the whole armor of God so that you can fight the wiles of the enemy. Be encouraged and fight the good fight of faith. rhemamagazine.com 24

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WILLIAM SANTIAGO was born in Puerto Rico and moved to the United States at eight years old along with my siblings, mother and stepfather. Our second or third move was to a district with a neighborhood gang. I joined the gang because of the brotherhood we shared and frankly, because of the lack of guidance I received at home.

We committed senseless crimes. At about 16 years old, things took a different turn and I was introduced to drug dealing. I escalated from selling marijuana to more hardcore drugs, like heroin and cocaine.

Selling drugs became my profession. I was a career criminal by definition and I made tons of money.

This made me a very arrogant person. I was selfish and wickedly ambitious. I felt untouchable. As a result, I became careless and was arrested several times.

The last arrest was for crashing into a flatbed tow truck on my way home from drinking at a nightclub. One passenger and I suffered several injuries. My backseat passenger was ejected from the vehicle and suffered severe brain injury and many broken bones. The tow truck operator suffered a broken back. Thus, I was sentenced to a six-to-eight-year prison sentence due to the severity of injuries; my lengthy criminal record; and a drug trafficking arrest that occurred while I was on bail.

Yet, being dead in my sins, I intended to sell even more drugs upon my release.

But God …

After two years of incarceration, I began thinking about the havoc my life had become. I had burned bridges; squanRHEMA MAGAZINE: MAY/JUNE 2017

dered opportunities; ruined lives and lived a life of revulsion. I was ashamed of who I had become and what I had done with the gifts within me.

Suddenly Suddenly, God ushered in a new season into my life. Suddenly, I wanted different things.

Suddenly, God turned me inside out. I began reading the word daily for hours. I learned the salvation of God and received it. I learned the promises of God and embraced them. I surrendered to God and He equipped me.

Eventually, I was released from prison after serving almost seven years while walking with God four-and- one-half years. Before my release, the enemy tried to incite fear in me for I did not appear to be trustworthy and employable on paper.

But God ...

2017 marks two years of employment as a sales consultant with Allied Building Products, a nationwide leading distributor of building materials. Furthermore, God has given me a mighty, discerning, beautiful and very spiritual woman of God as a helper with two precious daughters who love God like you wouldn’t believe.

God was doing a work in my days, that, if I was told, I would not believe it. To Him be the glory. Amen! rhemamagazine.com 27

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A Single Mother’s Reflection

By Cleata Brown Motherhood is a blessing to those who embrace it, no matter what the process might be.

As a new mother, I realized earlier in the process that if I was going to survive being the caregiver, protector and provider of my daughter, that I could not allow myself to be “victimized” by the “stigma” of being a single mother. It was difficult enough to make the decision to raise a child on my own without a spouse. I just could not allow myself to linger in a pity party of becoming a single mother.

I was already wrestling with the reality of being a fornicator caught in the act, becoming pregnant while single and in church. I needed to give myself some air to breathe and to survive. I knew that in spite of my situation that God was still with me.

If He allowed my womb to be blessed with a new life, then He must have had a plan for us!

I was told that if I did not marry the father of my child that I would give birth to a “bastard.” I decided to take the risk and let God decide what He would do. I prayed that God would give me a child that I could manage alone to raise and He did!

A mature mother of the church in her effort to encourage me shared with me her RHEMA MAGAZINE: MAY/JUNE 2017

testimony of how she became a favorited grandchild after her grandfather was initially so very angry when her mother conceived her as a “bastard.” Her testimony gave me so much hope. I never forgot her gesture. Years later, I was able to encourage someone else to never give up on her dream. God always has a plan even after we mess up!

I never complain to my daughter. I am the mother; the friend; the parent who reinforces and the prayer mother when she is hurting. My daughter would call for me to pray for her until I encouraged her one day to pray for herself. I was blessed to see her filled with the Holy Spirit and fighting warfare on my behalf in the wee hours of the morning. God is able to turn things around. I am a living testimony of this.

It is important that we as mature mothers encourage young mothers whether single or married to be strengthened in their role.

We must take care of our mental, emotional and spiritual health for our sons and daughters are watching us. They expect us to be strong and firm with them and to provide structure, expectations and consequences. We cannot allow our children to see us function as victims but as victors in our role as their mothers.

Although we are gentle, they must see us as wise and firm in our stance. rhemamagazine.com 29

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Written by David Carruthers, Author of Kill Your Giants & REACTORS I would prefer even to fail with honor than win by cheating.

- Sophocles

am amazed at how casual people treat others with distinct positions and adults who are twice their age and wisdom. Countless times I’ve witnessed disrespect to parents, supervisors and to others who have immensely helped get treated as if what they had just done had no value. It is astonishing to me to see the depth of ignorance wrapped so heavily in selfishness.

This is a day when honor is lost.

The name of God and Jesus Christ are used as swears and terms to communicate frustration. Such displays of disrespect are difficult to ignore, but one must lest he invokes insult. Therefore, the simple hope is that we teach honor again and return to it.

There are pragmatic ways in which we can do this.

1. Treatment. I heard a preacher say if you are going to compliment God with a word, you shouldn’t use the same to compliment others. When I was married, I called my wife, “Honey,” for she was the only woman in my world whom I called that. It is a mark of distinction. So, for example, if I was to call a woman amazing, I would say to God that He is more than amazing. This is good because it doesn’t put everyone on the same level as God. As another example, how many people do you call “Mom” and treat as such? We must recognize that everyone is different and should be treated as such.

2. Educate. People are destroyed for a RHEMA MAGAZINE: MAY/JUNE 2017

lack of knowledge. There is no way one could understand the depths and the power of the name of Jesus and use it so frivolously. Take the time to find out for yourself what that name means, if not to you, at least to others and then you will see how offensive you are when you use it in a derogatory manner. When a name carries with it position and authority, like: author; judge; mayor; manager; supervisor or pastor for example, there is additional respect that you must give to that person because of what is uncommonly inherent in their titles. This means that you must exhibit self-control when you are angry and do not run off at the mouth to that person or those persons as if they are one of your comrades just because you work with them or are in close proximity to them. Understand that these people are above you, whether you like it or not.

3. Increase the Value. When something is of great value, you treat it with care.

However, you must recognize that you are the one who gives the value. The amount of honor and care you give something or someone shows that you understand their worth. Would you mistreat an expensive piece of jewelry or clothing you just brought?

No. Why? Because you understand its value. This is why educating yourself on such matters is vital because it increases the value of what you have. You don’t want to be like most and miss out on someone great when they are gone. This is why we must return to honor. rhemamagazine.com 31

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Deliverance Temple Worship Center | Good Friday Service | Seven Last Words Speakers

From Left to Right Pastor Hall, Rev Day, Min Reid, Rev Christy, Rev Peter Kin, Rev Wint, Min Santiago, Rev Taylor, Bishop Hall

Ron Fitts Jr. and Tito Jackson at Grace of all Nations Church RHEMA MAGAZINE: MAY/JUNE 2017

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Proverbs 18

New King James Version 1 A man who isolates himself seeks his own desire; He rages against all wise judgment.

13 He who answers a matter before he hears it, It is folly and shame to him.

2 A fool has no delight in understanding, But in expressing his own heart.

14 The spirit of a man will sustain him in sickness, But who can bear a broken spirit?

3 When the wicked comes, contempt comes also; And with dishonor comes reproach.

15 The heart of the prudent acquires knowledge, And the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.

4 The words of a man's mouth are deep waters; The wellspring of wisdom is a flowing brook.

16 A man's gift makes room for him, And brings him before great men.

5 It is not good to show partiality to the wicked, Or to overthrow the righteous in judgment.

6 A fool's lips enter into contention, And his mouth calls for blows.

17 The first one to plead his cause seems right, Until his neighbor comes and examines him.

18 Casting lots causes contentions to cease, And keeps the mighty apart.

7 A fool's mouth is his destruction, And his lips are the snare of his soul.

19 A brother offended is harder to win than a strong city, And contentions are like the bars of a castle.

8 The words of a talebearer are like tasty trifles, And they go down into the inmost body.

20 A man's stomach shall be satisfied from the fruit of his mouth, From the produce of his lips he shall be filled.

9 He who is slothful in his work Is a brother to him who is a great destroyer.

21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit.

10 The name of the Lord is a strong tower; The righteous run to it and are safe.

11 The rich man's wealth is his strong city, And like a high wall in his own esteem.

12 Before destruction the heart of a man is haughty, And before honor is humility.

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22 He who finds a wife finds a good thing, And obtains favor from the Lord.

23 The poor man uses entreaties, But the rich answers roughly.

24 A man who has friends must himself be friendly, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. rhemamagazine.com 34

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